Seventh Day of Las Posadas

What Is Seventh Day of Las Posadas?

The Seventh Day of Las Posadas falls on 22nd December and forms part of a nine-day observance leading up to Christmas Eve. Las Posadas, meaning “The Inns” or “The Lodgings” in Spanish, commemorates the biblical journey of Mary and Joseph as they sought shelter in Bethlehem. Each of the nine days signifies a specific stage of their pilgrimage, culminating in the nativity.

This traditional observance is deeply embedded in Mexican culture and is also recognised in some other Latin American countries and among Hispanic communities globally. While not a public holiday, it is a significant cultural and religious event that brings communities together. The activities on the seventh day mirror those of the preceding days, featuring processions, singing, and festive gatherings.

History and Origins of Seventh Day of Las Posadas

The origins of Las Posadas can be traced back to the evangelisation efforts in colonial Mexico during the 16th century. Catholic missionaries, particularly the Augustinians, introduced the practice to indigenous populations as a means of teaching Christian doctrine and incorporating local traditions. Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, indigenous communities in Mexico had solstice celebrations during December, which the missionaries sought to reframe within a Christian context.

The initial celebrations, known as Aguinaldo Masses, were outdoor events held over nine days leading to Christmas. These included processions, carols, and a dramatic re-enactment of Mary and Joseph’s search for an inn. Over centuries, these Aguinaldo Masses evolved into the community-led Las Posadas celebrations seen today, with the focus shifting from church-organised events to family and neighbourhood gatherings. The nine days are often interpreted as representing the nine months of Mary’s pregnancy, highlighting the anticipation of Christmas.

How Seventh Day of Las Posadas Is Celebrated

The celebration of the Seventh Day of Las Posadas continues the established traditions of the preceding days. In Mexico, participants gather in the late afternoon or early evening to form a procession. This procession often includes individuals carrying figures of Mary and Joseph, or sometimes a live re-enactment with people dressed as the biblical figures.

Procession and Petition

The procession moves from house to house, with participants singing traditional villancicos (Christmas carols). Upon reaching a designated home, the group outside sings a petition, representing Joseph asking for lodging, while those inside sing a refusal. This call-and-response continues for several verses until the “innkeepers” inside agree to let the “pilgrims” in, symbolising the acceptance of Mary and Joseph.

Festive Gathering

Once inside, the celebration continues with communal festivities. These typically include the breaking of piñatas, often shaped like a star with seven points, symbolising the seven deadly sins. Breaking the piñata with a stick (faith) while blindfolded (blind faith) is seen as overcoming temptation to receive blessings. Traditional food and drinks are served, such as ponche navideño (Christmas punch), tamales, buñuelos, and atole. Children receive bags of sweets and fruits, known as colaciones. The evening concludes with more singing and socialising among family and friends, reinforcing community bonds in the lead-up to Christmas.

When Is Seventh Day of Las Posadas?

The Seventh Day of Las Posadas is a fixed observance that occurs annually on 22nd December. This is because the entire Las Posadas period runs for nine consecutive nights, beginning on 16th December and concluding on 24th December, Christmas Eve. The Gregorian calendar system is used for this dating, as it is aligned with the wider Christian observance of Christmas. There are no variations in its date across different countries or communities that observe it.

Seventh Day of Las Posadas Key Facts